Could you be paying less on your car loan or mortgage? In this episode, we explain the pros and cons of refinancing. It can be a powerful tool to save money, but it's not the right move for everyone. We'll discuss the two main reasons to consider refinancing—an improved credit score or a drop in market rates—and teach you how to calculate your "break-even point" on closing costs to see if it's truly worth it for your financial situation.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Making Sense of your Cents and you’ve found our tips helpful for your financial journey, I want to ask you a quick favor. Please take a moment right now to hit that Subscribe or Follow button on your favorite podcast app. It’s the best way to make sure you never miss an episode, and it helps other people in our community find the show.

Subscribe today, wherever you listen to your podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.) and send your questions to podcast@fcbtn.com.

Whether you have a blank credit file or are recovering from past financial mistakes, this episode provides a clear roadmap to a better score. We lay out actionable strategies for building a positive credit history, starting from day one. We’ll explore how to leverage a secured credit card to prove your creditworthiness, the benefits of a credit-builder loan, and how becoming an authorized user can provide a powerful head start. It’s never too late to write a new financial story.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Making Sense of your Cents and you’ve found our tips helpful for your financial journey, I want to ask you a quick favor. Please take a moment right now to hit that Subscribe or Follow button on your favorite podcast app. It’s the best way to make sure you never miss an episode, and it helps other people in our community find the show.

Subscribe today, wherever you listen to your podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.) and send your questions to podcast@fcbtn.com.

Your credit report is the official story of your financial life—but is it telling the truth? In this episode, we provide a step-by-step guide to pulling your free annual credit report from the only official source. We'll teach you how to decode the four key sections of your report, how to spot common errors or red flags for fraud, and the exact process for formally disputing an inaccurate item with the credit bureaus to protect your score and your reputation.

Subscribe today, wherever you listen to your podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.) and send your questions to podcast@fcbtn.com.